From Lard To Lace Tin

From a rustic five gallon lard tin to a pretty container for an overflow of lace, this transformation is complete.

Most of the time to renew the tin was spent waiting for Mod Podge and paint to dry.

She is so decorative, she can be put anywhere and fit right in.

Olive from Olive Out (see her booth here!)  found this lard tin at the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale Event back in June.  Read A Motley Mix here.

I liked the look, but wanted a more polished finish.

After a thorough cleaning inside and out, the tin received two coats of gesso as a primer.

Wait for the drying time.

Next two coats of Folkart Sea Mist craft paint.

Wait for the drying time.

While waiting I attached a pink porcelain knob to the top.

I anchored the knob with a piece of lath on the underside and a nut so it would not pull through the tin lid.

The screw goes into the knob from this side. 

 Why do most knobs at Hobby Lobby screw the opposite way?  

What do you do with the end piece sticking out into the drawer?

Inquiring minds want to know.

I wanted a label for the front.  Karen at The Graphics Fairy had the perfect one - already colored.

I printed it out on regular paper, full-sized.

Mod Podged it on.

Wait for the drying time.

Two coats of Mod Podge on top.

Wait for the drying time.

Two coats of satin craft varnish.

Wait for the dying time.

I drew an irregular shape in pencil inside the frame.  Filled it in with two coats of chalkboard paint.

I do not mix my own.  I know regular chalkboard paint is expensive, but it lasts a long, long time.

Wait for the drying time.

When you condition the chalkboard paint, make sure to use the side of the chalk.  You do not want to scratch the surface.

Go over it several times.  Then wipe with a soft rag.

Thank goodness, no waiting for drying time!

The lid sports a tassel made from leftover lace scraps, ribbon, and a tag attached to the pink knob.


I stuffed the tin full with lace.

All ready to do duty as a lace tin instead of a lard tin.

Even labeled it "Lace" to remind me what was stored there.

The chicks dig this lacy tassel and give it three stars.

The chicks are from a 100 Proof Press stamp.  (Tweety Birds #5820)  100 Proof Press here!

You would not believe how much lace I stuffed in there.

It looks a lot better than the grocery bags which did hold the lace.

So with many a minute spent waiting for drying time, the transformation from lard tin to lace tin is finally finished.

Time to put it on the shelf.

And if I change my mind about what to store in the tin, all I have to do is erase the label!

OOOH, what about my wooden spool collection?


See y'all!